The recent directive from the Supreme Court (SC) urging the union health ministry to establish standardised rates for medical treatments across the country has triggered significant unrest within the medical community. Both the Association of Hospitals Pune (AHP) and the Indian Medical Association (IMA) have voiced their strong opposition to the court’s decision, expressing concerns that the implementation of Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) rates could lead to the closure of private healthcare facilities.
The SC, in late February, criticized the union health ministry for not enforcing the 14-year-old Clinical Establishment (Central Government) Rules, which require the notification of standard rates for various medical treatments and procedures, aligning with the living standards of different regions. The court, while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) related to the wide variation in treatment costs between government and private healthcare centers, directed the union health secretary to convene a meeting with state counterparts within a month to ensure the notification of a standard rate. In case of failure, the implementation of CGHS-prescribed standardised rates will be considered.
The news has prompted discussions and meetings within the medical fraternity in Pune, with concerns about the feasibility of standardising rates and potential consequences for private healthcare facilities.
Dr H K Sale, executive director of Noble Hospital and chairman of the AHP, expressed his views on the matter, stating that standardising rates is impractical considering the significant investments in private healthcare facilities. He warned that enforcing CGHS rates would lead to the closure of hospitals, including corporate hospitals, impacting the accessibility of high-end medical facilities.
Dr Sanjay Patil, former vice-president of the Maharashtra IMA and chairman of the Hospital Board of India (HBI), Pune chapter, highlighted the collective efforts of doctors’ associations across states in presenting scientifically feasible rates to health secretaries. He emphasized that standardisation could particularly jeopardize small and medium-sized hospitals, potentially forcing their closure and diverting patients to corporate hospitals.
As the medical community grapples with the potential implications of standardised rates, the AHP and IMA are preparing to present their concerns before the apex court, emphasizing the unique challenges and financial considerations of private healthcare facilities.
